EAGLE - Spacious is not a word typically used to describe thrift stores. That's why shoppers may be pleasantly surprised when they visit the Thrifty Shoppe's new headquarters at 1160 Chambers Ave. in Eagle. The stucco building is located east of the Eagle County Justice Center and adjacent to the Slifer Design building the Eagle Commercial Park.The 3,000 square feet is three times the size of the store's previous location on Second Street. The main floor of the new store offers plenty of room for displaying furniture, clothing and other merchandise. The second floor of the building is used for storage. If somebody brings in winter clothes in June, the staff can hold onto the heavier clothing until shoppers are ready for such items.

"It adds up to the ability to offer better stuff, and more timely merchandise," says Greg Osteen, director of Vail Valley Cares, the local nonprofit that operates the Thrifty Stores. Revenues raised at the stores come back to the community in the form of grants for local programs. Beneficiaries are widespread, ranging from Catholic Charities, an organization that advocates for the immigrant community, to local institutions such as Colorado West Mental Health, Meet the Wilderness and the Resource Center. Osteen says Vail Valley Cares will hand out about $150,000 to $200,000 in local grants this year."This is a win-win-win program," Osteen says. "People get a place to donate items they no longer want. It's recycling. Customers get good deals on clothing, sports equipment, and other items ... and the money goes back to the community."Thrifty Shoppe Manager Elizabeth Myers saysthe size of the store now allows the Eagle shop to sell some high-quality goods that formerly could be found only at the Edwards store. Many of the county's second-home owners drop furniture and clothing off at the Thrifty Shoppes. "We're talking nice furniture - not ski bum stuff," notes Myers.

Osteen says the new space will translate into more donations of clothing, furniture and sports equipment, which will in turn generate more shoppers. More shoppers mean more money to give back to the community."We're excited," says Myers.The Thrifty Shoppe will pick up furniture donations. Call 328-1444 to arrange for a pick-up. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.Vail Daily, Vail, Colorado